7.22.2011

7.20.2011

I've chosen to go with the optional kick up rudder boxes, mainly just for peace of mind. This option allows the rudder tube to be mounted inside a structure that can pivot upwards and back if the rudder hits an obstruction. Here, I am sanding the inside hull rudder box surfaces in preparation for laminating the bare core cell foam with 24 oz. triaxial glass and epoxy.

Like the "swing up" centerboard options, this rudder configuration creates whole lot of extra work. Hopefully I'll never have to worry about hitting anything with my rudders but if I do, maybe I'll be glad that I put forth the extra effort.

Two other points led me to choosing this rudder option:

1. It allows for clean, unobstructed boarding steps on each hull.

2. Since the rudder blade is completely submerged below the water line, there will be less likelihood of "ventilation" caused by air being sucked down the trailing edge of the rudder while at speed. (in regards to fluid dynamics, considerable drag can be attributed to trailing edge geometry just as much so as that created by a poorly shaped leading edge)

I's a bit hard to notice in this video but believe it or not, in windsurfing, a fin can actually "stall" and cause a spin out that would almost make you believe that you have lost a fin. You wouldn't believe that a fin could be driven sideways across the flow of water at 36 knots but it can.